• cement products such as wall sheeting, fence panels and corrugated roofing,
• plaster patching compounds,
• textured paint
• switchboard panles & meter boards
• guttering & downpipes
• backing of vinyl flooring and tiles

Before you start your next renovation project refer to the Queensland Government guidance for homeowners and home renovators online here.

• Know where asbestos is in your home so you can manage it safely.  Refer to the Queensland Government's webpage on 'Common Asbestos Locations'.

• Remember, if asbestos is in good condition and left untouched, it poses no immediate danger.

•  Never mishandle, break or disturb asbestos material.  Using high pressure cleaning devices, cutting, sanding or power tools on asbestos containting material is prohibited by law. These types of activities can damage the asbestos material and release hazardous fibres.

• Removing LESS than 10m2 of bonded (non-friable) asbestos containing material from your home does not require a licence to do so, however it is strongly recommended you engage a licenced asbestos removal contractor for any amount of asbestos being removed to reduce potential exposure to yourself, your family and your neighbours.  Refer to the Queensland Government list of approved asbestos removalists online here.

• Removing MORE than 10m2 of any type of asbestos containing material from your home must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. Refer to the Queensland Government list of approved asbestos removalists online here.

If materials containing asbestos are in your house and are in good condition, sometimes the safest option is to leave them alone and not disturb them.

If removing asbestos materials from your home is required, minor work can be carried out by the homeowner in the following circumstances:

• less than 10m2 of bonded (non-friable) asbestos containing material is being removed; and
• the work is conducted safely by following established safe work practices or methods to prevent hazardous asbestos fibres becoming airborne and reduce the risk of them being inhaled; and
• all waste containing or contaminated by the asbestos material, is disposed of at an approved waste facility. 

If more than 10m2 of asbestos containing material requires removal, a licensed asbestos removalist MUST be engaged.  Removing more than 10m² of asbestos without an appropriate liceince is an offence by law. Refer to the Queensland Government list of approved asbestos removalists online here.

For more guidance on asbestos removal, please refer to the Queensland Government’s Asbestos website.

Packaging requirements

Asbestos waste must be packaged correctly prior to transport for disposal.  Asbestos waste and associated asbestos waste MUST be packaged and disposed of in the following way:

1. Wrapped in one of the following ways: 

a) Double wrapped in plastic sheeting that is at least 0.2mm thick and sealed with adhesive tape; or

b) Double bagged in plastic bags that are at least 0.2mm thick, and no more than 1200 mm long and 900mm wide, and sealed with adhesive tape.

AND

2. Labelled with a clearly visible warning that states –

• The packaging contains asbestos; and
• Damage to the packaging and dust inhalation should be avoided; and

Example of warning – ‘CAUTION – ASBESTOS
DO NOT DAMAGE OR OPEN BAG
DO NOT INHALE DUST
CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD’

Disposing at a waste facility

Southern Downs Regional Council accepts small quantities of asbestos waste at designated waste facilities. 

This type of waste will only be accepted at our waste facilities provided certain criteria has been met.

Refer to Council's Disposal of Hazardous Material webpage for more details about the acceptance criteria for disposal of asbestos waste.

When renovating…

• Buy yourself a paint lead test kit from your local hardware store
• Make sure you wear clothing that will protect you, such as gloves and a P2 respirator
• Keep children, pregnant persons and pets away from the work area
• Wash clothes and your hands thoroughly after doing any work

When gardening…

• If you live in an older suburb or town there may be lead in the soil
• Make sure that you wear gardening gloves and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from lead exposure
• Consider creating a raised garden bead to grow your own vegetables and remember to wash any home-grown fruit or veggies before cooking them
• Thoroughly wash your hands after gardening

For further advice about working with lead, please check the Worksafe Queensland’s Lead website here